THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE by Karen Cushman

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE. New York: Clarion. ISBN 0395692296

PLOT SUMMARY

Set in the early fourteenth century, a girl named Brat, with a past worth forgetting and no prospect of a better future, finds herself taken in by a Jane, the town midwife.  When circumstances change, so does the girl until she finally finds a place where she’s needed. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main character in this story, Brat, is a young adult with a difficult situation.  She is alone, poor, dirty, and unwanted but she is also kind, hardworking, and curious.  This story evokes empathy and the reader will want to befriend her.  The setting of the story is the early 1300s and the language and details are consistent with the time period.  Language such as “wimple,” “spat,” “bedevil,” “this wag grows boresome,” and “Walpurgis Night” are examples of the time period.  Details early in the story also support the time period; Brat sweeps the cottage floor, sprinkles it with water, and stamps it to keep it packed. 

The history within the plot is an accurate depiction.  Animal and human labor was done at home (or in the barn), with the help of home remedies and things like “goose greese ointment.”  Electricity was not available and homes had dirt floors.  This was also a time when unusual occurrences were thought to be caused by witches or the devil, “the priest decided that Wat’s gluttony and deceit were the fault of the Devil.” 

While sources are not cited, author Karen Cushman’s reputation from previous work and awards stand for the authenticity of the story.  Though few young people are assisting midwives, the theme of the story is something most readers can relate to; finding a place in this world and learning who you are in it.        

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred Kirkus Reviews - “From the rebirth in the dung heap to Brat's renaming herself Alyce after a heady visit to a medieval fair, this is not for fans of historical drama only. It's a rouser for all times.”

Publisher’s Weekly – “The force of the ambience produces more than enough momentum to propel the reader from start to finish in a single happy sitting.”

John Newbery Medal winner

CONNECTIONS

*Have students write a modern day version of this story being sure to focus on current language, events, and dress in order to show the time period.

*Read the story with other picture books or nonfiction books from that time period.

*Write a character analysis on Brat.